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Human Rights and Gender

when
13 July 2015
-
24 July 2015

duration
2 weeks

credits
3 ECTS

fee
EUR 1300

Have you ever wanted to know about human rights and gender? This intensive, two-week course focuses first on the theory and practice of international human rights law, more generally, and then delves into legal gender issues, more specifically, by examining, in a broad sense, gay, trans, intersex and cis perspectives. Building upon international human rights law as a basis, the course cuts across topical issues in legal disciplines such as international humanitarian law, international criminal law and refugee law. Participants will strengthen their skills to critically assess law and its (im)possibilities, while exploring current developments in the field.

This Special Track course combines the course International Human Rights Law with International Law from a Gender Perspective to provide participants with an intensive, two-week course related to human rights and gender. The first week includes a comprehensive introduction course focusing on the major features of international human rights law, delving into both theory and practice. It begins by examining the philosophical and political bases of human rights. It then explores human rights documents and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights at the international and regional levels, looking at civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, and their relationship with one another. Participants will analyse specific rights in context, focusing on the complexities around ensuring human rights protection. Participants will examine the development of human rights law and role played by human rights institutions at all levels of society. Human rights-based approaches for analyzing conflict and attempts to promote peace and justice will also be explored. Through lectures, interactive working groups, expert panels and excursion(s), participants will gain an understanding of the various elements - and their interplay - involved in this field. The course is designed for students and professionals with an interest in human rights law. It will allow participants to gain an in-depth understanding of human rights law in theory and in practice.

The second week will delve into the theme of gender within international law, with a focus on international human rights law. Gender is understood here in a broad sense including cis, gay, trans and intersex perspectives. The course will start by looking into the historical development of the engagement with (international) law from a gender perspective, and an introduction to the major legal instruments (CEDAW, Yogyakarta Principles), concepts (gender, universality and equality), and theories, e.g. on conflicting rights and on stereotyping. These will be dealt with in more detail by studying a number of topical issues, such as reproductive and relational rights, freedom of religion, gender-related violence, the right to asylum, and sex work. The two-week course is designed for those individuals interested in international human rights and gender studies.

Course leader

Dr. Brianne McGonigle Leyh

Target group

The course is designed for students and professionals with an interest in international human rights law and gender studies.

Course aim

The aim of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of international human rights law and to explore how human rights law affects gender-related issues.